Best pubs in South Somerset and Yeovil named in 2026 list

The CAMRA Good Beer Guide is the UK's definitive annual guidebook to pubs and breweries serving real ale, published by The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). 

It is compiled by CAMRA volunteers who independently evaluate and select thousands of pubs across the UK based on the quality of their real ale, with the goal of promoting the best traditional pubs and breweries. 

To find out more buy the full 2026 CAMRA Guide at: shop.camra.org.uk/product/good-beer-guide-2026/ 

READ MORE: Campaign for Real Ale names best pubs in Taunton in new 2026 list

Seven South Somerset and Yeovil pubs named on the Good Beer Guide 2026 are:

Five Dials Inn

Located on Goose Lane, Horton, near Ilminster, this renovated old coaching inn offers three real ales, traditional local ciders from Perry’s and Burrow Hill include the “famous” Somerset Cider Brandy.

Food is described by the CAMRA team as “fresh and seasonal” with a daily changing special board.

The inn also offers the option to stay overnight, offering six guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms.

There is also a self-contained studio apartment which includes kitchen and dining facilities.

This pub is closed on Mondays, including bank holidays.

Haymaker Inn

Situated in Wadeford, five minutes from the A303, the Haymaker is described as a “traditional country inn set in the foothills of the Isle valley and ideally located between Ilminster and Chard.”

Muddy dogs and boots are welcome in the bar and garden areas and for those wishing to make a night of their visit there are five en-suite double letting rooms.

Bar snacks are served at lunchtime, and a roast is available on Sundays. There is also a full menu offered in the evenings.

Cotley Inn

Located off the A30 in Wambrook, the Cotley in is described as a hidden gem “worth finding”.

A spokesperson for CAMRA wrote: “It makes the most of its rural setting with its raised patio area and beer garden. Excellent food is served. There are usually two or three well-kept beers available straight from the cask, typically from the Otter, Teignworthy and Exeter breweries, with others on an occasional basis, sharing stillage space with a choice of ciders from Sheppey’s, Perry’s and others.”

King William Inn

Located on Barn Street, Crewkerne, (take the A30 towards Chard, the pub can be found at the fringe of town), this “well-hidden traditional pub” is just a short walk from the town centre.

Here you can find three changing ales and two ciders and an array of pump clips along the beams, which according to the CAMRA team indicates “the huge range of beers that have been served”.

Happy hour here is every Monday and Wednesday afternoon and for music lovers there is an acoustic night on the last Wednesday of the month.

Prince of Wales

Located in Ham Hill Country Park, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, the Prince of Wales is described as a “traditional” pub with “amazing views from the terrace at the front” that is “popular with walkers and their dogs.”

This pub has a beer garden at the rear of the building where a barbecue and live bands can be enjoyed over summer.

Inside is a flagstone floor and fire for winter warmth with a “range of regional ale served on gravity.”

Brewers Arms

Located at 18-20 St James Street, South Petherton (half a mile from the A303), the Brewers arms has appeared in 25 consecutive editions of the Guide and was named runner-up in local CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025.

During this time around 3000 ales have been served and documented.

A CAMRA spokesperson wrote: “The Brewers is a hub of village life, a true community pub that keenly supports local events and charities.”

Beer festivals are held over both spring and summer bank holiday weekends with regular live music and pub quiz nights being hosted inside.

The spokesperson added: “The adjoining Old Bakehouse provides excellent quality food.”

Quicksilver Mail

Located on Hendford Hill, Yeovil this roadside pub with a “unique name” commemorating a high-speed mail coach has been run by the same landlord since 2002 and is another “frequent guide entry”.

A CAMRA spokesperson wrote: “There is a large single bar with a range of three cask ales and separate dining area serving excellent food and a well-priced range of wine.

“The pub is a well-known live music destination and also holds comedy, bingo and quiz nights in the bar or function room.”